# Japan's PM: Makeup and Chores Cost Hours

> Japan's prime minister says she spends 3-4 hours daily on makeup and chores, sparking debate over gender roles.
- Title: Japan's PM: Makeup and Chores Cost Hours · The Boston Globe
- Summary: Japan's prime minister says she spends 3-4 hours daily on makeup and chores, sparking debate over gender roles. Japan's prime minister Sanae Takaichi claims…
- Keywords: sanae takachi, japan, prime minister, makeup, household chores, midashinami, japanese politics, gender roles, news, local, Japan's, Chores
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/16/world/japans-leader-says-she-loses-hours-makeup-chores-opinions-abound
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sanae takachi, japan, prime minister, makeup, household chores, midashinami, japanese politics, gender roles, news, local
## Japan's Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, spoke about her daily schedule during a budget hearing.
## Time Spent on Tasks
Takaichi said she spends at least three hours daily on makeup, bathing, cooking, and other chores.
## Extra Hours Compared
She claims she spends an extra three or four hours on these tasks compared to male prime ministers.
## Midashinami Culture
Japan's midashinami culture requires women to wear makeup, high heels, and avoid short skirts and low-cut tops.
## Supportive Views
Some supporters praised Takaichi for highlighting women's extra efforts in work and household management.
## Criticism of Stereotypes
Opposition lawmakers criticized Takaichi for promoting gender stereotypes and undermining women's rights.
## Budget Hearing Context
Takaichi made remarks during a routine budget hearing about a report showing Japanese leaders spend up to seven hours daily answering lawmakers.
## Workload Comparison
Japanese prime ministers attend parliament sessions about 72 days yearly versus 50 in Britain and 13 in Germany.
## Personal Schedule Challenges
Takaichi described difficulty carving out time to think strategically and taking home a mountain of paperwork daily.
## All-Male Team Struggles
Her all-male aides have trouble adapting to her schedule, not even setting aside time for makeup before TV appearances.
## Household Responsibilities
Japanese women take on over three-quarters of household chores, with many workers spending up to 22 hours monthly on overtime.
## Key takeaway

Japan's prime minister Sanae Takaichi claims she spends 3-4 extra hours daily on makeup and household tasks compared to male leaders, highlighting gendered expectations in Japanese society.